As the Home Minister of Karnataka, already at the helm of Karnataka, Priyank Kharge has taken a strong stance against crime, underage drinking, drug abuse, communal disturbance and crimes against women. In one of his first major policy decisions, Kharge has made a ban on minors entering bars, pubs, breweries, clubs, lounges, restaurants serving alcohol, and liquor outlets in the state.
There are growing concerns about alcohol and tobacco use among teenagers. The Home Minister stressed on social media that tough measures for underage drinking and substance abuse prevention were needed, and young people need to be protected.
What is the issue with substance abuse among teenagers?
Kharge cited findings from a study involving 4,093 students in Bengaluru, which showed alarming trends in alcohol and tobacco use among adolescents. Nearly one in every three teenagers surveyed had consumed alcohol or tobacco products.
According to the study, nearly 33 per cent of participants show signs of alcohol dependency, and 18 per cent are tobacco users. The average age of teenagers who start drinking alcohol is 17 years, it said.
The Home Minister said these findings were alarming and to be worried that early exposure to alcohol and tobacco can lead to long-term health problems and social problems.
Have directed city police officials to issue notices to all pubs, breweries, bars, clubs, lounges, restaurants and liquor-serving establishments to strictly prevent underage entry and underage drinking.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 8, 2026
A recent study covering 4,093 students in Bengaluru, has raised serious…
No Entry Without Valid Identification
To prevent underage access to alcohol-serving establishments, Kharge has ordered police to rigorously enforce the verification. Under the new rules, people will not be allowed to enter bars, pubs, breweries or restaurants serving alcohol without valid government-issued identification proving their age.
The authorities are also instructed to issue notices to owners and managers if minors are found inside their establishments.
Key Directives issued by the Home Department
The Home Minister outlined several mandatory measures for establishments serving alcohol:
- No entry without identification proof.
- Government-issued age verification documents are required.
- Strict action against establishments serving or allowing minors.
- Owners, managers and license holders will be held directly responsible for violations.
- CCTV cameras at entry points must be in place at all times.
- Surveillance footage should be preserved and made available if necessary.
- Police departments will work with institutions, resident welfare associations (RWAs) and citizen groups to increase awareness and enforcement.
Kharge said commercial interests cannot be allowed to compromise the safety and future of children and young adults.
Karnataka to Follow 'Zero-Tolerance' approach in the future.
The Home Minister also issued broader instructions to the police department, stressing a “zero-tolerance” approach to five major issues affecting law and order in the state.
These include:
- Drug trafficking and drug mafia activities.
- Underage alcohol and tobacco consumption.
- Communal violence and disturbances. Crimes against women.
- Other serious criminal activities threaten public safety.
Kharge directed police officials to take action against offenders and to enforce the law in every city in Karnataka.
The announcement is a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening public safety and protecting vulnerable sectors of society. With tighter regulations and increased accountability for business owners, the government of Karnataka would like to curb underage substance abuse while promoting law enforcement and social welfare.
